The arrival of summer brings barbecues, camping, and trips to the beach. It also means that it’s time to stock up on sunscreen and insect repellent, and perhaps to apply some bronzer to get that suntanned look right from the start. Find out how wipes have made inroads into some -- but not all -- of these consumer products markets.

Until recently, granite and quartz were reserved for the high-end kitchen design, but increasing availability and consumer interest has boosted their market share as these materials become mainstream in markets around the world.

As baby boomers downsize their homes, their storage and organization needs will change. These lifestyle changes will influence many trends in the home organization market, including rising interest in products designed to maximize storage in under-used spaces and a preference toward stylish, high-value products meant to be stored in plain sight.

If there’s one thing that DIY wood coaters value above all else, it’s simplicity. For this reason, products that combine two functions, like stain-and-sealer and self-priming paints, will gain further popularity. Find out how these trends will influence the wood coating market in the US.

Owning a home was once the embodiment of the American Dream, but the Great Recession made buying a house a risky proposition, particularly for young people still trying to find their footing after college. Although the recession has long since ended, first-time mortgages among 29- to 34-year-olds remain low. And fewer first-time home buyers means fewer first-time homes -and fewer lawns to mow. Find out what this means for the market for power lawn and garden equipment

As competitors in the architectural paint market lost ground during the Great Recession, Valspar boldly revamped its branding, making it one of the most popular DIY paint brands in just a few years. However, sinking sales in 2015 and 2016 led market leader Sherwin-Williams to acquire the company. A Freedonia analyst explains what this means for the overall market.

Agricultural crops, such as corn or soybeans, are increasingly used in non-food applications, particularly among companies looking to up their sustainability cred with biodegradable or bio-based products. One such innovation is soy air filters, which use biodegradable soy protein and bacterial cellulose to filter particulate matter. Learn more about the future of these products.

On January 5, 2017, Sears announced that it would sell its famed Craftsman tools brand to Stanley Black & Decker. This deal reflects the shifting US retail market and perhaps also the decline of Sears. However, for Stanley Black & Decker, it marks a major opportunity to expand its already significant share of the US tool market and move into new retail channels.

Trends in cosmetics packaging design for 2017 emphasize luxury and convenience across many retail channels. A Freedonia Group expert and a marketing coordinator at a consumer products packaging producer weigh in.

How have advances in polyurethane memory foam impacted the mattress market? What do changes in mattress preferences of consumers mean for polyurethane suppliers?